For Release January 8, 2001 at 12:10PM EST
Nissan Sentra SE-R: A History of Performance and Value
For the 1991 model year, Nissan debuted the third generation of its entry-level model, the Sentra.
The clean lines of the new Sentra made a clean break between it and the previous generation, and so did a
new model designation ? SE-R.
From initial appearances, the Sentra SE-R looked to be a two-door Sentra sedan with alloy
wheels, front and rear spoilers and fog lamps. It also had grippy, well-bolstered seats. But it was
mechanically where the SE-R distinguished itself from lesser Sentras. A 140-horsepower SR20DE
2.0-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine was installed in the engine bay. Backing this potent engine was a
close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission and a viscous limited-slip differential. A sport-tuned suspension
with front and rear anti-roll bars and 4-wheel disc brakes with optional ABS gave the SE-R handling and
braking to match its powerplant.
The SE-R was immediately subject to critical and enthusiast acclaim and voted by Car and
Driver magazine to its 1991 ?10 Best? list. The SE-R was compared to the BMW 2002 and Datsun 510,
legendary sports sedans from the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Over the four model-year run of the Sentra SE-R (1991-1994), changes were relatively minor ?
cruise control became available in 1992, a different front spoiler and interior revisions in 1993. The
media, however, still honored the SE-R with awards ? it was one of Car and Driver?s ?10 Best? in 1992,
1993 and 1994 as well as one of their ?10 Best Unheralded Performance Cars? (1993), Automobile?s ?All-
Stars? in 1993 and 1994 and one of their ?Screaming Deals? (1993).
Sentra SE-R also became a favorite in grassroots motorsports events, racking up many victories
in numerous autocrosses and track events, as well as off-road rallying.
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The SE-R was taken out of the Sentra lineup with arrival of the fourth generation 1995 model,
although many SE-R clubs and events, motorsports competition and magazine project vehicles kept the
SE-R legend alive. When the fifth generation 2000 Sentra sedan was introduced last year in GXE and SE
models with enhanced style and performance, a logical platform was provided for the return of the SE-R.
For the 2002 model year, there will be two Sentra SE-Rs ? a 170-horsepower SE-R and the
advanced-design 180-horsepower SE-R Spec V. The new SE-R features an all-new 2.5-liter DOHC
4-cylinder, named QR25. This engine allows SE-R to launch off the line with the authority of vehicles
having twice the engine size.
Backing this new engine is a 6-speed manual transmission (SE-R Spec V) or a 5-speed manual or
4-speed automatic transmission (SE-R). The SE-R Spec V features 17-inch wheels and tires (16-inch on
SE-R), as is a helical limited-slip differential (not available on SE-R). Sport suspension and large
4-wheel disc brakes with available ABS give braking and handling performance on par with the QR25?s
output.
While the original SE-R was a fairly basic 2-door, there has been a large effort to make the new
4-door SE-R look different from a Sentra GXE. An aggressive front fascia, similar to the Japanesemarket
Skyline GT-R, along with side-sill extensions, a rear spoiler and large alloy wheels, announce
SE-R?s intentions as a serious sporting machine.
?This new SE-R will continue the original?s legacy as the ultimate value-driven sports sedan,?
said Bill Kirrane, vice president and general manager, Nissan division. ?This one is fun!?